If I have no dependants is it illegal to claim 3 for my payroll, but then file my return correctly?

Answer 1

No, it's not illegal - actually they're called allowances, not exemptions or dependents, on your W-4. There are many reasons why someone claiming the number of allowances that match their dependents would end up with too much taken out of their paychecks.

When you actually file your return, you would of course claim only the dependents that you actually have. If you owe more than a minimal amount because you didn't have enough withheld, then you can be subject to interest and penalties.

Answer 2

Judy is correct about the terminology. You claim 'allowances' not dependents on your W-4. The IRS actually SUGGESTS a single person with 1 job and 0 dependents claim 2 exemptions. BTW, only in a few specific situations does the IRS actually receive a copy of your W-4. Unless you end up owing a lot when you file, they won't know what you claimed.

Answer 3

No. You may claim as many dependants as you wish for you payroll as long as you file using the correct number of dependants. Be aware, the more dependants you claim, the more taxes will be withheld and you may owe the IRS money at the end of the year.

Answer 4

Withholding is done under the honor system. You can claim whatever you want for your withholding, and your withholding will be based on the withholding allowances you claim. It is not the responsibility of your employer to verify whether the filing status or number of allowances you are claiming on your return is correct. The only exception is claiming "EXEMPT", which would exempt you from withholding.

When you file your tax returns, your income tax and income tax withholding is "trued up". If not enough tax was withheld, you pay with your tax return. If too much tax was withheld, you get a refund.

While the IRS "trusts" you to properly determine your withholding, they will assess a penalty if you did not have enough withheld. You are required to pay in at least the lesser of 90% of your current year tax, or 100% (110% for high income taxpayers) of your prior year tax by the end of the year either through withholding or estimated tax payments. If you fail to meet this, you will be assessed underpayment penalties.

Answer 5

No it's not illegal to have less withholding on your payroll checks. You will however have to claim your true deductions when filing your income tax and you could end up paying in at the end of the year.

Answer 6

Yes, enter 1 dependent for yourself and for additional dependents enter 2. So the total number of allowances you are claiming will be 3. You will have less taxes taken out so keep that in mind.

**NOTE** There are no laws saying you have to claim any certain number of exemptions. You could claim 0 if you want to! However, they would take a lot of taxes out. If you claim 10, they won't take hardly any taxes out and you might end up owing at the end of the year. Again, keep in mind your individual circumstances before making changes to your withholding.

Answer 7

It's OK to claim 3 on your payroll as long as you don't under-wthhold your tax to the extent you owe so much tax there is a penalty.

Answer 8

It's fine if you have a legitimate reason. Circumstances, such as owning a house, starting to earn income late in the year, etc would necessitate lower deductions. But be warned. If you don't have enough withheld by years end, you may owe a PENALTY on any amount due.

Answer 9

What do you suppose the answer might be?

I recall in the early days a chap that said he had 300 dependants.....turns out he was a shepherd......
He was right but he couldn't claim them on the payroll.

Keep Smiling!

Answer 10

You have no dependets and you are claiming that you have 3 so they take less then you are filing correctly to get more. Its tax fruad. I think you already know the answer to that quistion!!!